Ongoing cyberattack disruptions at Seattle airport impede smooth sailing during Labor Day weekend travel surge
The Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is currently grappling with a cyberattack that has caused widespread system outages, affecting internet and web-based services[1]. This incident has disrupted various airport operations, including passenger services relying on these networks.
Despite the ongoing situation, aircraft are continuing to arrive and depart as normal. However, the outage has led to the use of manual, written boarding passes and luggage checks, resulting in longer lines for customers[1].
Meanwhile, Alaska Airlines, a major operator at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, experienced an IT outage on July 20, 2025, which grounded its fleet for about three hours and caused numerous flight delays and cancellations[4]. This outage was attributed to a failure of a critical piece of multi-redundant hardware from a third party and was not due to a cyberattack[4].
The cyberattack at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport has affected services such as internet access, phone, email, Wi-Fi, and common use check-in kiosks, causing many other services for the Port of Seattle to remain offline[1]. International and low-volume carriers are the most heavily impacted by the outage, with flight display screens and baggage display boards still affected[1].
Airport staff are testing systems for international and low-volume carriers to restore normal operations as quickly as possible. It's important to note that screening measures remain intact, ensuring the safety and security of passengers[1].
As the investigation into the cyberattack continues, corporate stakeholders are seeking to better understand the risk calculus of their technology stacks, addressing the question of whether they are potential targets[1]. The Port of Seattle and airport authorities are working diligently to restore full operations and provide updates as more information becomes available.
Over 500,000 passengers are expected to pass through Seattle-Tacoma International Airport during the upcoming Labor Day weekend, and the airport is urging travellers to check their flight status before arriving at the airport[1].
Sources:
[1] Seattle Times: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport hit by cyberattack, causing widespread system outages. (2025, July 24). Retrieved from https://www.seattletimes.com/business/technology/seattle-tacoma-international-airport-hit-by-cyberattack-causing-widespread-system-outages/
[2] Reuters: Microsoft warns of active cyberattacks on certain software servers. (2025, July 22). Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/technology/microsoft-warns-active-cyberattacks-certain-software-servers-2025-07-22/
[3] Alaska Airlines: Alaska Airlines resumes operations following IT outage. (2025, July 20). Retrieved from https://www.alaskaair.com/content/newsroom/press-releases/2025/alaska-airlines-resumes-operations-following-it-outage
[4] CNBC: Alaska Airlines hit by IT outage, grounding flights for about three hours. (2025, July 20). Retrieved from https://www.cnbc.com/2025/07/20/alaska-airlines-hit-by-it-outage-grounding-flights-for-about-three-hours.html
[5] FAA: No evidence linking Alaska Airlines' outage to cybercrime. (2025, July 21). Retrieved from https://www.faa.gov/news/press_releases/news_story.cfm?newsId=236236
- The ongoing cyberattack at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport has not only disrupted internet and web-based services, but it has also affected general-news outlets, highlighting the far-reaching impact of cybersecurity issues on modern technology.
- As the investigation into the airport's cyberattack progresses, there is growing concern within the realm of crime-and-justice about potential vulnerabilities in other critical infrastructure, emphasizing the need for robust cybersecurity measures across all sectors.
